2023-03-31-accounts

Trustees’ Annual Report for the period

From 01 April 2022 To 31 March 2023

Charity name: Ayre to Air

Charity registration number: 1174164

Objectives and Activities

	SORP reference
Summary of the purposes of the charity as set out in its governing document	Para 1.17	The organisation’s purpose is the promotion of efficiency in the Armed Forces of the Crown by the provision of support, facilities and activities for the efficiency and wellbeing of Service Personnel
Summary of the main activities in relation to those purposes for the public benefit, in particular, the activities, projects or services identified in the accounts.	Para 1.17 and 1.19	The aim of the Ayre to Air CIO is to build, maintain and operate a Pitts S2AE aircraft that was bequeathed by the family of the late Sgt Anthony Ayre such that Service Personnel and qualifying civilians may be afforded an opportunity to experience aerobatic flight at minimum personal cost. As a non-profit making organisation, supported by volunteer members of the RAF Sport Aircraft Association (RAFSA), the maintenance and operating costs are kept to the very minimum, thus making the activity of aerobatic flying accessible to those who would otherwise be unable to participate. Aerobatic Flying is a physically and mentally demanding activity that undoubtedly “stretches” the individual, leading to significant personal and professional flying development. Taking it one step further and entering an aerobatic competition brings with it the immeasurable benefits associated with sporting activity and competition. In turn, these benefits further enhance the individuals’ contribution to the efficiency of the defence of the UK.
Statement confirming whether the trustees have had regard to the guidance issued by the Charity	Para 1.18	The guidance issued by the Charity Commission on public benefit was used to assist the Trustees with the Organisation’s planning of activities

Commission on public benefit

during ‘virtual’ online meetings held during the reporting year.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

SORP reference Para 1.38 Policy on grant making Para 1.38 Policy on social investment including program related investment Para 1.38 Contribution made by volunteers Other

Achievements and Performance

	SORP reference
Summary of the main achievements of the charity, identifying the difference the charity’s work has made to the circumstances of its beneficiaries and any wider benefits to society as a whole.	Para 1.20	The main areas of achievement during the reporting period fall within the following 3 areas: Aircraft Build & Initial Operation: A particularly frustrating year in terms of aircraft operation and the delivery of aerobatic flying and experience. The source and cause of an ongoing engine malfunction could not be identified. Replacing parts in a methodical order was the only pathway to resolution but incurred a great deal of expense. Hardly any flying was achieved within the year bar short duration local test flights conducted as part of the rectification process. Sourcing and Raising Finance: The spiralling and significant cost of necessary engine rectification works was of concern to the Trustees. However, generous donations made by QinetiQ and the Adrian Swire Charitable Trust afforded a degree of security, noting that the aircraft was unable to generate any significant income through

its operation. Funding the installation of the engine management system was achieved through a loan to the Charity by AAKOS Ltd. The Charity was able to repay the loan in full within the reporting period. Promotion & Engagement: The profile of the Spirit of Ayre organisation continued to be raised through the publication of storyboards, brochures, reports and the RAFSA website.

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Achievements against objectives set	Para 1.41
Performance of fundraising activities against objectives set	Para 1.41
Investment performance against objectives	Para 1.41
Other

Financial Review

Financial Review
Review of the charity’s financial position at the end of the period	Para 1.21	At the end of the period, the Charity had recorded a profit of £18.277. However, this is slightly misleading as the engine fault investigations and rectifications had yet to be paid for. The Charity continues to operate on limited funds and tight margins. It would be fair to say that at the end of the period, the financial position was of concern given the lack of flying; the aircraft must be self-funding through flying activity.
Statement explaining the policy for holding reserves stating why they are held	Para 1.22
Amount of reserves held	Para 1.22	Nil
Reasons for holding zero reserves	Para 1.22	The Charity does not hold sufficient funds to be able to allocate a reserve.
Details of fund materially in deficit	Para 1.24
Explanation of any uncertainties about the charity continuing as a going concern	Para 1.23

Additional information (optional) You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

The charity’s principal sources of funds (including any fundraising)	Para 1.47
Investment policy and objectives including any social investment policy adopted	Para 1.46
A description of the principal risks facing the charity	Para 1.46
Other

Structure, Governance and Management

Description of charity’s trusts:
Type of governing document (trust deed, royal charter)	Para 1.25	Constitution
How is the charity constituted? (e.g unincorporated association, CIO)	Para 1.25	CIO
Trustee selection methods including details of any constitutional provisions e.g. election to post or name of any person or body entitled to appoint one or more trustees	Para 1.25	Appointed by the Chairman in consultation with the Trustees.

Additional information (optional)

You may choose to include further statements where relevant about:

Policies and procedures adopted for the induction Para 1.51 and training of trustees The charity’s organisational structure and any wider Para 1.51 network with which the charity works Relationship with any related Para 1.51 parties Other

Reference and Administrative details

Charity name	Ayre to Air
Other name the charity uses
Registered charity number	1174164
Charity’s principal address	C/O RAF Waddington Flying School RAF Waddington Lincs LN5 9WA

Names of the charity trustees who manage the charity

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20	Trustee name	Office (if any)	Dates acted if not for whole **year **	Name of person (or body) entitled to appoint trustee (ifany)
	Alistair James Seymour	Trustee & Chairman
	Gary Paul Coleman	Trustee
	Christopher Martin Hives	Trustee

– Corporate trustees names of the directors at the date the report was approved

Director name

Name of trustees holding title to property belonging to the charity

Trustee name Dates acted if not for whole year

Funds held as custodian trustees on behalf of others

Description of the assets held in this capacity

Name and objects of the charity on whose behalf the assets are held and how this falls within the custodian charity’s objects Details of arrangements for safe custody and segregation of such assets from the charity’s own assets

Additional information (optional)

Names and addresses of advisers (Optional information)

Type of	Name	Address
adviser

Name of chief executive or names of senior staff members (Optional information)

Exemptions from disclosure

Reason for non-disclosure of key personnel details

Other optional information

Declarations

The trustees declare that they have approved the trustees’ report above.

Signed on behalf of the charity’s trustees

Signature(s) Full name(s) Position (eg Secretary, Chair, etc) Date
	Christopher M Hives
	Trustee
	14 May 2024
	14 May 2024